The downtown Columbus campus of credit-card processor TSYS has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its energy efficiency.

The corporate headquarters recently received the agency’s “Energy Star” seal of approval, which means the building uses 35 percent less energy than the average structure, while releasing 35 percent less dioxide into the air.

“While we do recognize the value of the cost savings to our company, more importantly, we realize the impact our reduced environmental footprint has on our surrounding community,” Phil Tomlinson, TSYS chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

The company said it garnered Energy Star status by turning off redundant lights during business hours and using sensor-equipped lights in offices and rooms to shut them off when not being used. It also has put in lower-wattage lights and automated its heating and air-conditioning systems. Since 2008, the firm estimates it has saved more than 4 million kilowatt hours at its headquarters. The Energy Star program was launched in 1992 and has expanded to various products, homes, commercial and industrial structures. The EPA estimates the effort last year eliminated greenhouse gas emissions comparable to 30 million vehicles, while saving U.S. residents and businesses nearly $17 billion on their energy bills.

BUSINESS CERTIFICATION SEMINAR COMING UP

A workshop aimed at enhancing a business through certification — or even if it’s necessary to be certified — is scheduled Tuesday at Columbus State University’s Cunningham Center.

The seminar, taking place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and costing $35 per person, is being presented by the Georgia Small Business Development Center and Aflac, the Columbus-based supplemental insurer.

The event will let business owners know how certification can help them land various contracts with state and federal agencies, as well as with private companies. For instance, it will cover recent regulatory changes and rules in the contracting realm, while also showing participants how to streamline the process of seeking contracts.

The Cunningham Center is located at 3100 Gentian Blvd. For more information or to register, contact the SBDC at 706-569-2651. Monday is the registration deadline.

The newly renovated five-story building, which was in disrepair for years, now will offer 31 open floor plans on the top four floors, featuring wood floors, restored walls, high ceilings, window seats and new appliances. Pricing starts at $650 per month, Thayer said.

A fitness center, business center and storage also are planned eventually.

The street-level floor of the Empire has four commercial spaces for lease.

For more information, contact Deborah Ortiz at 706-596-9111 or Robert Boykin at 334-298-3965.

BATSON-COOK CONSTRUCTING HARRIS COMMUNITY CENTER

West Point, Ga.-based contractor Batson-Cook has broken ground on a $7.4 million community center in Hamilton, Ga.

The 45,000-square-foot center, which will serve Harris County’s 30,000 residents, is scheduled for completion next January. It will include a natatorium featuring a competition pool with a zero-depth entry area. There also will be two basketball courts and fitness, weight and locker rooms.

The facility’s design is by 2WR Architects.

SUNBELT EQUIPMENT RENTAL OPENS LOCALLY

A new equipment rental company has landed in Columbus.

Sunbelt Rentals, the second-largest rental firm in the U.S., will have its grand opening at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at 6301-2 Veterans Parkway. Those who attend will receive a free barbecue lunch and giveaways, while representatives from various brands — ProCut, Terramite, Husqvarna, Hilti, Edco and John Deere — will field customer questions. Sunbelt, based in Fort Mill, S.C., is a subsidary of London-based Ashtead Group, which operates a sister rental company, A-Plant, in the United Kingdom. Sunbelt has roughly 350 locations in 35 states and the District of Columbia. There are about 100 A-Plant stores in the UK.

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